With Retaining Or Attaching Means Patents (Class 52/79.9)
  • Publication number: 20130263528
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatus and systems for forming a temporary storage facility for granular materials such as agricultural products including grain and corn. The temporary storage facility includes a retaining wall constructed by connecting free-standing wall sections in a circular or rectangular shape. The free-standing wall sections have overlapping elements on the face to hold the agricultural products inside the retaining wall sections while admitting air for ventilation. Ventilation holes are made in the panel elements so as to admit air but prevent water or vermin entry to protect the agricultural products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2013
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventor: HOWARD S. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 8499504
    Abstract: A prefabricated building and method for constructing a building are provided. The prefabricated building includes a base, a first module and a second module each configured to fit within a predetermined volume. Each module includes a plurality of beams and a plurality of studs. The method for constructing a building involves prefabricating a first module, prefabricating a second module, packaging the modules for transportation, transporting the modules, and constructing the building using the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Inventors: Dennis Sherbakov, Lev Blium
  • Patent number: 8484929
    Abstract: A method of constructing a subterranean storage facility formed by an array of abutting shipping containers. The inner side panels and structural bars of adjoining containers are removed to form an interstitial space defined by the remaining outer side panels of the array. The removed panels and bars are repurposed in the construction to provide an external shell and enhanced structural support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Inventor: Hamza Begdouri
  • Publication number: 20130086849
    Abstract: The disclosed technology relates to a modular structure having a floor, a ceiling and at least four walls. The walls being constructed from a plurality of bent metal panels. These bent metal panels create a rigid and continuous substrate. The walls are also pre-fabricated to incorporate embedded architectural and mechanical design elements. During the main assembly phase the floor is mounted to the walls, the sides of the walls are then mounted to each other and the ceiling is then mounted to the walls thereby forming a monolithic frame structure. This monolithic structure enables a more efficient fabrication and assembly process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: XSite Modular
    Inventors: Jonathan Clouser, Michael Hathaway
  • Patent number: 8393127
    Abstract: A relocatable restaurant, method of assembly, and method of use are provided herein. The relocatable restaurant includes a slab positioned at a desired site, a plurality of modules, including in an exemplary embodiment one module for each of a kitchen, a dishwashing and bar, and bathroom facilities. The modules are positionable atop the slab adjacent exterior edges thereof. In an embodiment, a slab can be provided by an existing structure, such as a parking lot. The relocatable restaurant further includes a plurality of partitions sufficient for bridging the modules, at least one partition having a door structure, to create a substantially continuous exterior wall therearound. A roof is provided for the relocatable restaurant with the use of a substantially planar flexible element affixable about the exterior wall. A blower can be used to retain the roof in an upwardly extended state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Inventor: Kyle R. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20130055654
    Abstract: A modular house building system has floor module supports; floor modules; wall modules; window panel modules; door panel modules; and fasteners, wherein the modules are connected to one another in any of a number of configurations using the fasteners to form a chosen modular house configuration; wherein the wall, window panel, and door panel modules each include horizontal planks, vertical planks that define an outer perimeter of each the module, and interstitial planks connected between the vertical planks that are used to increase the strength of each the module, and are connected together in any one of a plurality of configurations to form each respective module in a pre-chosen dimension and configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: Luc Lemieux
  • Patent number: 8381455
    Abstract: A modular shelter comprising a first side wall, first end wall, second side wall, second end wall, first roof section, and a second roof section cut from stock material, such that: (a) the first side wall and the first end wall, the first end wall and the second side wall, the second side wall and the second end wall, and the second end wall and the first side wall are disposed at an angle between 60 and 120 degrees relative to one another and are connected by at least two mortise and tenon joints; and (b) the first roof section and the second roof section are disposed at an angle between 45 and 180 degrees relative to one another and are connected by at least two mortise and tenon joints; wherein the components of the mortise and tenon joints are created using one tool resulting in a novel joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Inventor: Frank W. Schooley
  • Patent number: 8365473
    Abstract: For establishing a more modern and environmental, inexpensive building, there is disclosed a prefabricated, self-supporting construction element (6) intended chiefly for apartment buildings, where a number of construction elements (6) are placed at the side of one another and on top of one another, and comprising at least two substantially parallel-extending walls (26), where the external side surface (14) is profiled with protruding ribs (16) which, in combination with corresponding external side surfaces (14) of corresponding construction elements (6) along the external side surfaces (14), form a plurality of channels (60) respectively intended for in-situ casting with a (flowing), hardening material (concrete) for the formation of a supporting construction in the form of columns (94) and beams for supporting a plurality of construction elements (6) placed on top of one another, and for the leading of supply pipes and cables to the building, which is characteristic in that the external side surfaces (14) co
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Build-Pod International Ltd.
    Inventor: Ole Bjerre
  • Publication number: 20130025214
    Abstract: A building is provided, comprising at least two shipping containers, said containers comprising a top wall, a bottom wall, and two opposed side walls, said containers being mounted to a foundation in a spaced-apart, parallel manner, wherein portions of the adjacent inner side walls of said containers are removed, and further wherein a roof is attached to the top walls of said containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Inventor: Gottfried Balfantz, III
  • Patent number: 8356446
    Abstract: A capsule room unit for use as a capsule bed or other private space has a horizontally oblong rectangular parallelepiped room framework formed by columns, beams and panel materials fitted into the room framework to constitute a ceiling, a floor and walls, wherein the columns and the beams are composed of extruded materials each having a longitudinally consecutive groove. The panel materials of the ceiling and walls are composed of synthetic resin or FRP hollow panel materials each having peripheral flanges at a periphery along a plane direction, and the flanges of the hollow panel material are inserted and fitted to the grooves of the extruded materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Cosmonde Corp.
    Inventors: Masashi Takeda, Masakuni Takeda
  • Patent number: 8353131
    Abstract: Loq·kit is a mass-produced system of interchangeable building components for assembling single or multi-family houses. The building components are of three varieties: structural frame, in-fill, or snap-cladding components. Except for bolted structural frame connections, all connections between parts are snap-lock, and may be released. With snap-lock interfaces and a modular dimensional relationship between components, they can be reconfigured in near endless variety. The components all share a common dimensionality that is derived from a regulating grid. The grid utilizes an alternating sequence of two modules—a module A, and a smaller module B. The A,B,A,B rhythm of gridlines is used to regulate component connection locations in three dimensions. The alternating-sequence grid works by establishing a standard connection width, module B, for making connections between components. Each possible connection width is spaced from another by a common module A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Inventor: Patrick A. Freet
  • Patent number: 8333039
    Abstract: A building includes a wall and a roof. The wall encloses an enclosed area, and the wall comprises a plurality of standardized modules, each having an inner space used as a room. The roof covers the enclosed area. The standardized modules are standardized, and thus very convenient to manufacture. In addition, the standardized modules can be transported quickly and efficiently, therefore, the building as disclosed is convenient and reliable to construct and dismantle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignees: Hong Fu Jin Precision Industry (ShenZhen) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mu-Chi Hsu, Dong-Sheng Lin, Chin-Tsan Huang, Guo-Jiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20120311941
    Abstract: Rounded vault forming structures and the systems and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such structures include a monolithic building having one or more arches, one or more integrated hip structures, and a non-circular outer circumferential shaped base. At least some of the structures result in zero to extremely low amounts of waste material from building such structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Inventors: Matthew Edwards, Ronald K. Kraft
  • Patent number: 8322084
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular room with rectangular floor space, a roof and side walls of a skeletal framework construction with sections, which is designed in such a way that it can be easily assembled, disassembled and connected to other modular rooms. The floor space is formed of a foundation consisting of grid-shaped floor plates, which form partial floor sections of the foundation. Furthermore, the modular room exhibits a support or spine portion that is attached to the roof at its top end and is attached to the foundation at its bottom end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventor: Rolf Kestermann
  • Publication number: 20120291365
    Abstract: The invention relates to the construction of buildings, especially a reticulated stereo modular element that, combined with other identical elements, enables the construction of quadrangular enclosures suitable for the construction of rooms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicants: BEUCHAT, BARROS & PFENNIGER
    Inventor: Osvaldo Nestor Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 8297002
    Abstract: The invention relates to a dwelling module, a roof module, a balcony module, a facade module, a building and a lifting tool for a modular construction system used to form a building from the aforementioned modules. The dwelling module (3) includes a floor (31), a roof (34T) and pillars between the floor (31) and the roof (34T). The pillars contain an embedded multi-purpose part (32) which is used to stack one module on top of another. The roof module is positioned on top of the building, while the balcony module (359) and the facade module (310) can be positioned peripherally to the building. The lifting tool is used to transport and install the dwelling module (3) at the desired site in order to complete a building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Habidite, S.A.
    Inventor: José Javier Fernández Fernández
  • Patent number: 8240108
    Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Inventor: John M Pyo
  • Patent number: 8186110
    Abstract: A transportable, modular, self-contained shipping container building which has an optional means to collect, store, and distribute power from natural resources and a means to collect store, distribute and/or purify potable and/or non-potable water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Inventor: James E Green
  • Patent number: 8186109
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a reconfigurable armored unit for use in training exercises. In one aspect, a reconfigurable training facility is provided. The reconfigurable training facility includes a first modular unit. The reconfigurable training facility further includes a second modular unit, wherein each modular unit includes a frame with corner connection members and a grid system, whereby the corner connection members are used to connect the modular units together and whereby the grid system is used to selectively support a plurality of panels. In another aspect, a modular unit for use in a reconfigurable training facility is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of forming a reconfigurable training facility is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: UXB International, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael F. Warminsky
  • Publication number: 20120110926
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system or kit which includes wood and plastic components or plastic components only. These components can be readily assembled to form a structure with the use of a minimal number of tools. The components are precut so that measurements and cutting of the component materials is eliminated. This leads to a savings in wasted materials. The components are readily assembled using conventional fasteners and simple hand tools. The components have preformed notches and tabs in order to facilitate assembly of the components without the requirement for measurements. This assures that the components will be assembled correctly and eliminates the opportunity for inaccurate measurements and incorrect assembly. The roof and floor structures are formed from plastic panels which interlock together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Inventors: Wlliam J. Phillips, Michael R. Vogler
  • Publication number: 20120077429
    Abstract: A mobile, modular, cleanroom facility is made from one or more pre-assembled modules, transportable in their pre-assembled form. Each pre-assembled module includes an air filtration system including a ceiling plenum for providing clean air to the interior of the module. The air filtration system provides air cleaned to at least an ISO 8 classification. When the mobile, modular cleanroom facility is made of two or more modules, each of the modules is pre-assembled, and is transportable in its pre-assembled form. Each of the modules also includes an air filtrations system having a ceiling plenum for providing clean air to the interior of the module. Most preferably, the modules are connected by a connection assembly effective for providing a seamless transition from one module to the other while maintaining the appropriate clean air classification in the transition space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventors: Chris Wernimont, Mark Nordemeyer, Michael Lawrence, Clark Byrum, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120073215
    Abstract: An enclosure for a power generation system is disclosed. The enclosure includes a plurality of sidewalls and a roof extending generally transverse to the plurality of sidewalls. The enclosure further includes a plurality of latches, each of the plurality of latches associated with one of the roof or a sidewall, and a plurality of engagement features, each of the plurality of engagement features associated with the other of the roof or a sidewall. Each of the plurality of latches is configured to engage one of the plurality of engagement features to releasably fasten the roof to the plurality of sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jianmin Zhang, Douglas Scott Byrd, Joseph Michael Harvey
  • Publication number: 20120066985
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is an enclosure for secondary distribution modular switchgears, applicable in protecting switchgears both against adverse weather conditions and against unauthorized inspections of high, medium and low voltage switch gear, and also against accidental access by unauthorized persons, or by wild animals and birds. The inventive enclosure containing a base-frame (3) to which the enclosure walls are attached and which is provided with a roof cover is characterized in that the base frame (3) is formed by a metal truss and contains two extreme base-frame modules, the left one (20) and the right one (23,) and at least one middle module (21 and/or (22) which are connected with one another by means of a pair of permanent connections formed by a socket (27a) and a prong (27b) and fastening and earthing plates (28a, 28b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2010
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Lukasz Bachorz, Jerzy Flis, Bartosz Kopczynski, Jerzy Obojski, Michal Wielgos, Mariusz Wilniewczyc
  • Patent number: 8132372
    Abstract: A modular enclosure may include a number of components, such as floor panels, wall panels and roof panels, which may be interconnected to form a structure such as a shed. For example, the shed may include wall panels with connecting portions that are sized and configured to allow adjacent wall panels to be interconnected. The wall panels may also include outwardly extending projections that allow the wall panels to be connected to the floor panels. In addition, the wall panels may include receiving portions that may receive portions of the roof panels, such as an outwardly extending lip. Advantageously, a truss may extend through the receiving portions in the wall panels and the truss may include a channel that is sized and configured to allow any water that enters the shed through a roof panel seam to be removed from the shed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Lifetime Products Inc.
    Inventors: Barry D. Mower, Brent Steed, Jay Calken, Neil Watson, Robert A. Astle, L. Curtis Strong, Rich Howe, David C. Winter, Kent Ashby
  • Publication number: 20120055101
    Abstract: A modular shelter comprising a first side wall, first end wall, second side wall, second end wall, first roof section, and a second roof section cut from stock material, such that: (a) the first side wall and the first end wall, the first end wall and the second side wall, the second side wall and the second end wall, and the second end wall and the first side wall are disposed at an angle between 60 and 120 degrees relative to one another and are connected by at least two mortise and tenon joints; and (b) the first roof section and the second roof section are disposed at an angle between 45 and 180 degrees relative to one another and are connected by at least two mortise and tenon joints; wherein the components of the mortise and tenon joints are created using one tool resulting in a novel joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Frank W. Schooley
  • Publication number: 20120031014
    Abstract: A prefabricated outbuilding may include a first vertically oriented upright, a support beam supported by the vertically oriented upright, a groove supporting structure extending over the first vertically oriented upright, a second upright to support the roof support structure, an accessory including an upper end and a lower end to support the prefabricated outbuilding. The upper end may receive the lower end of the first vertically oriented upright, and the lower end may be adapted to drive into a support surface. The support surface may be earth, and the support surface may be concrete. The lower end may include an aperture to receive rebar, and the upper and may include an aperture to receive a fastener. The prefabricated outbuilding may include a roof support beam to support a roof, and the prefabricated outbuilding may include a deck. The prefabricated outbuilding may be transportable, and the pre-fabricated outbuilding may include at least two enclosures and may include four enclosures or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Mark E. Davis
  • Publication number: 20120023837
    Abstract: A building system utilizing commercially available component parts, preassembled into panelized and modular components that are easily and quickly assembled and disassembled, and a lightweight compact building system for efficient transport and assembly, not requiring a central manufacturing plant or specialized construction details. A building system to provide for numerous building floor plan layouts and configurations, and a building system that provides for the reuse of the building system component parts to construct permanent structures of virtually any size, floor plan layout, or architectural style.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventor: John Norman Eisenbeisz
  • Publication number: 20120005969
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile house comprising a sill (1) of inorganic material, at least four height-adjustable feet (2), a framework (3, 4, 5, 6) of inorganic material for walls and roofs, a plurality of floorboards (7), a plurality of wallboards (8), and a plurality of roof panels (9), the adjustable feet, in the assembled state, levelly supporting the sill at a distance from the underlying ground.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Applicant: Bengt-inge Broden
    Inventor: Bengt-Inge Broden
  • Patent number: 8091300
    Abstract: A block for use in a building panel includes a plurality of layer components. Each of the layer components is separately formed from the others. Each of the layer components provides a load-bearing support function, an environmental protection function, and/or a utility function. The constructive material used to form each of the layer components and a configuration of each of the layer components are selected so as to allow the building panel to meet at least one predetermined criteria when the block is disposed in the building panel and coupled to other blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: John M. Pyo
  • Patent number: 8082699
    Abstract: A modular structure includes at least one modular unit comprising a structure base and a structure enclosure carried by the structure base. Each of the structure base and the structure enclosure comprises lightweight concrete providing a significantly improved structure over the currently used fabrication processes. The modular structure is fabricated utilizing tunnel fabrication processes, creating a unitary structure. The structure can be finished at a manufacturing location, then transported and installed at the desired location. Connector plate assemblies are molded into the structure for securing two adjacent modules. Adjacent modules can be oriented perpendicular, parallel, or any angle therebetween to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Jerry A. Kychelhahn
  • Patent number: 8082709
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular construction system. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a construction system, including modules, which are capable of being used in a wide range of applications including buildings and various other structures. Prior systems included structured modules connected by means of flexible joints which were composed of cables. These allowed relative movement between walls of various units. Such systems were complex and expensive to manufacture An improved modular construction system overcame this problem by providing a plurality of structural elements of V-shaped or chevron-shaped cross section. These are adapted to be assembled in a cellular configuration by their similar form, size and by virtue of the elements having apertures. Any aperture may receive a connector, which permits an amount of relative movement between said elements in two-rotational degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Inventor: Matthew William Lewis Roberts
  • Patent number: 8074403
    Abstract: A full size building having three walls, an open side and a roof but no floor can be moved along parallel rails from an open free standing position to a closed position where the building abuts another structure to completely enclose an outdoor area. The building is of conventional construction but is erected over a rigid framework of iron beams. A series of roller assemblies containing rotatable axles is attached to the underside of rigid framework. The axles rest directly on the rails and rotate smoothly by means of bearings as the building moves along the rails. Stabilizers prevent wobble and keep the building on the rails when it is being moved. Locks prevent any movement when the building is in either the open or closed position. Additional locking means prevent lateral movement when the building is locked in the open position. The building can be moved using a winch and cable system or using a unique suspended sprocket wheel and track system. Concrete footings form the base for the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Inventor: John Mentnech
  • Patent number: 8069618
    Abstract: A sterilization plant for the sterilization of surgical instruments is provided. The plant includes at least one original building (1) having at least one first process line that extends, at least partly, essentially parallel to a first one (2) of the essentially limiting external walls (2, 3, 4, 5) of the original building (1). The sterilization plant further includes at least one extension module (31) located next to and, at least partly, essentially parallel to the first external wall (2). Also provided are an extension module (31) and a method of increasing the capacity of a sterilization plant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Luki AB
    Inventor: Hol Michael Larsson
  • Publication number: 20110289860
    Abstract: Apparatus manually configurable from a portable unit configuration into an assembled configuration provides a rigid shelter including a solar powered electricity supply circuit. The rigid shelter including the solar powered electrical supply circuit is manually configurable into reusable disassembled parts. Wall elements are releasably connectable between a base element and a roof element. Corner elements are used to define a unit. A plurality of units may be arranged as a single storey shelter or as a multi-storey shelter. External shelter elements have solar energy collector cells that may form part of an external element. A shipping container arrangement includes a plurality of stacked portable unit configurations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: BLUE PLANET BUILDINGS (UK) LIMITED
    Inventor: Derick Wilson
  • Patent number: 8065840
    Abstract: A modular building construction system including a plurality of free-standing, molded polymer components that may be assembled to form a weatherproof structure. Components include a center, corner, interior passageway, door, and roof panels, as well as supporting beams that may be arranged in a nearly infinite number of configurations to easily, quickly and inexpensively form nearly any structure desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Inventor: Syed Azmat Ali Zaidi
  • Publication number: 20110265396
    Abstract: A building includes first and second building modules connected together by a connector system. The connector system comprises a first connector block (51) fixed to the first building module, a second connector block (52) fixed to the second building module, a load bearing fixing plate (63) interposed between the first and second building modules and projecting outwardly therefrom, and a spigot (61) that passes through an opening in the fixing plate (63), projecting on one side of the plate into an opening in the first connector block (51) and projecting on the opposite side of the plate into an opening in the second connector block (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: David Heather
  • Patent number: 8046957
    Abstract: A stack-on panel assembly for panel-based partition systems includes a connector bracket with a first portion shaped for connection with the top of an associated base panel, and a second portion upstanding from the first portion and having a first latch member. The stack-on panel assembly also includes a stacker panel having a bottom portion shaped for abutting support on top of the base panel, and a vertically extending slot disposed along one side to receive and retain therein the second portion of the connector bracket. A second latch member is disposed within the stacker panel at a location adjacent to the slot, and automatically engages and positively locks with the first latch member on the connector bracket when the stacker panel is lowered into place on top of the base panel to positively, yet detachably, connect the stacker panel on the base panel in a vertically stacked relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Steelcase Inc.
    Inventors: Charles D. Towersey, Gordon F. Chapman, Randall Lee Bixler
  • Publication number: 20110252719
    Abstract: Construction systems for erecting building structures comprise a plurality of prefabricated interconnectable modular building units, each unit comprising a frame shaped as a rectangular parallelopiped and comprised of framing members and a plurality of nodes, each node situated at a corner of said frame for selective interconnection with other units, the framing members comprising eight edge rails, at least one edge rail in one unit being interconnected by beam stitching with a respective edge rail in at least one other unit, the nodes and the exterior dimensions of the frame conforming to ISO shipping standards such that each unit is transportable using the ISO intermodal transportation system, and such that when the units are aggregated horizontally and vertically and adjacent units are interconnected, a building structure comprising at least one habitable space is formed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: David Wallance
  • Patent number: 8040665
    Abstract: An electricity transformer station having a foundation and a housing on top of the foundation, the housing comprising walls and a roof. The housing comprises a plurality of identical modules assembled in a row along a longitudinal axis of the housing, each of the modules having two side walls and a roof section connecting the side walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ABB Technology AG
    Inventor: Carsten Thrue
  • Patent number: 8033062
    Abstract: The residential building whose majority of components are prefabricated in a factory, includes a foundation supporting a bed, walls erected on the bed, a ceiling supported on the walls and a roof supported on the walls. The foundation is formed of foundation blocks that are cast on-site, in appropriate excavations, and joints by forms of stringers also cast on-site in appropriate excavations. Each foundation block is provided with a vertical pillar prefabricated in a factory, each vertical pillar having a horizontal upper planar face. The upper planer faces of the pillars are arranged along the same horizontal plane, receiving and supporting, at a distance from the ground, the bed of the building. The invention also relates to a method and device used for realizing the wall elements manually or automatically in a continuous manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Inventor: Christian Ferriere
  • Publication number: 20110232543
    Abstract: A building module for use in constructing a blast-resistant modular building. The building module includes a pair of parallel skid members and a rectangular body mounted on the skid members. The body includes sides, a roof and a floor defining an interior of the building module. A first side of the body includes an opening. A flange co-extensive with opposite sides and a top of the first side includes a plurality of holes for receiving respective bolt-type fasteners. Alignment pins project outwardly from the body proximal a bottom of the first side, for engaging corresponding alignment holes of the other building module. Each alignment pin includes a cylindrical portion at a base end of the pin, and a tapered portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: PARAMOUNT STRUCTURES INC.
    Inventors: Jason BURROUGHS, Jessie ACTON
  • Patent number: 8001731
    Abstract: A self-supporting module contains first and second rectangular, generally closed longitudinal frames, which are detachably interconnected by crossmembers and to which external wall elements are detachably fixed. The module is characterized in that the external wall elements have dimensions corresponding generally to the height and the width or length of the module and that the outer edges of the elements run flush with the outer edges of the longitudinal frames and crossmembers in such a way that in the corner region of the module, the end faces of adjoining external wall elements define a recess in the form of re-entrant corner. Corner elements are detachably fixed in the recesses, the elements sealing the interior of the module that is delimited by the external wall elements in relation to the exterior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Inventor: Rainer Huxel
  • Publication number: 20110185646
    Abstract: In certain embodiments, the inventive subject matter is directed to modular subunit based on a has a frame having three equal length structural segments joined at each end to form a triangular shape, and wherein the structural segments form a bounded section. The bounded section may be a load bearing structure. The bounded section may include three trapezoidal elements arranged to form a triangle. The bounded section may include one of the following: SIP, flooring system, a ceiling system, a roofing system, glass, drop panels, empty. A modular unit may be formed having two of the triangular frames separated by a perpendicular column at each corner to form a normal right pentahedral shape; and wherein the triangular frame further comprising three equal length structural segments joined at each end forming a triangular shape; wherein the structural segments form a bounded section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Publication date: August 4, 2011
    Inventor: Jeffrey Kovel
  • Publication number: 20110162293
    Abstract: A volumetric module that can have all of its exterior claddings, windows, doors, interior finishes, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, and roofing installed and completed in the factory minimizing work to be completed in the field, and a method to protect the fully finished building module during transport with a series of demountable transport panels. The finished and protected building module is transported to a site utilizing the intermodal shipping network or by different modes of shipping and transportation. At the building site, the finished building module is placed on a foundation or other form of support, the transport panels are removed from the module revealing a fully finished building module suitable for use as a habitable building both in it singular use as well as the creation of a larger habitable building by joining finished building modules at the building site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Inventors: Jared LEVY, Gordon STOTT
  • Publication number: 20110146165
    Abstract: A modular house building system has floor module supports; floor modules; wall modules; window panel modules; door panel modules; and fasteners, wherein the modules are connected to one another in any of a number of configurations using the fasteners to form a chosen modular house configuration; wherein the wall, window panel, and door panel modules each include horizontal planks, vertical planks that define an outer perimeter of each the module, and interstitial planks connected between the vertical planks that are used to increase the strength of each the module, and are connected together in any one of a plurality of configurations to form each respective module in a pre-chosen dimension and configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Luc Lemieux, Steve Lemieux
  • Publication number: 20110138702
    Abstract: A pre-engineered/prefabricated wall assembly that has inner and outer sidewall panels of rigid insulation material that acts as both thermal insulation and concrete forms. The inner and outer sidewall panels are connected by connecting rods that secures a metal stud wall frame to the interior of the wall assembly, and a metal stud wall frame to the exterior of the wall assembly. The connecting rods serve to align the inner and outer sidewall panels separate from, and parallel to, each other, thereby providing a space for rebar and concrete to form a reinforced concrete wall. The mortar-less brick/stone veneer is attached to the wall assembly by inserting an attaching rod through the outer and inner sidewall panels, and is secured with a mechanical fastener, thereby securing the mortar-less brick/stone veneer in place until the poured concrete permanently secures the mortar-less brick/stone veneer to the exterior of the wall assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Jay R. Kelley
  • Patent number: 7946094
    Abstract: The invention provides a topside beam. The topside beam comprises: an upper topside beam that is comprised of an upper web beam (10), an upper left wing beam (12) and upper right wing beam (11), wherein the section of the upper web beam (10) has a shape of an inverted “L”; the upper left wing beam (12) and the upper right wing beam (11) are oppositely connected to the two sides adjacent to the lower end of the upper web beam (10) respectively; the upper left wing beam (12) opposite to the upper web beam (10) inclines downwardly; and the upper right wing beam (11) is located at 90° with the upper web beam. And a lower topside beam that is comprised of a lower web beam (20) and a lower right wing beam (21), wherein the lower right wing beam (21) is connected to the right side adjacent to the upper end of the lower web beam (20); and the lower right wing beam (21) opposite to the lower web beam (20) inclines upwardly and is parallel to the upper left wing beam (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignees: China International Marine Containers (Group) Ltd., Qingdao CIMC Reefer Trailer Co., Ltd., Qingdao CIMC Reefer Container Manufacture Co., Ltd., Qingdao CIMC Special Reefer Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tianhua Huang, Robert Wang, Ryan Xu, Jack Zhang, Gary Liu
  • Publication number: 20110088333
    Abstract: This invention relates to a prefabricated element (1) for a dwelling unit that is notable in that it comprises: a vertical wall (2) of approximately constant thickness comprising a front face (3), a rear face (4) and a peripheral face (5); a first lip (6) along each horizontal edge of said front face (3); a second lip (7) down each vertical edge of said front face (3); first and second ribs (8, 9) forming with the first and second lips (6, 7) a grid of cells (10) suitable for filling with insulating materials (11) and accepting an interior trim (14) to mask the entire grid; a peripheral edging (23) creating at least one bearing face and a barrier buffer; and at least first and second fixing members (20, 21) for connecting the prefabricated elements (1) to each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: David Damichey
  • Publication number: 20110088332
    Abstract: A modular closet unit comprising a structure of upright frame members connected between a floor and a ceiling of an occupied space, a horizontal track between the upright frame members, and bifold doors for closing the space between the upright frame members and between the horizontal track and the floor. The modular closet unit further includes fascia panels positioned above the bifold doors and side panels positioned at one or more ends of the modular closet unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: David Allis, Beverley Shelley, William Bookman, Chad Carver, Randy Windham, Susan Jacobs, Oscar Hughes
  • Publication number: 20110083379
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefabricated sealed room, which may comprise a plurality of prefabricated sealed rooms to form prefabricated sealed room assembly, stacked one above another or as a stand alone. The prefabricated sealed room is made of reinforced concrete and synchronized corners. The usage of reinforced concrete protects the prefabricated sealed room from shocks caused by blasts or natural calamities. The prefabricated sealed room can also be integrated into the production process of a building. Each prefabricated sealed room can be substantially sealed from the external environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2007
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Peer Moshe Lavi